Brief Overview of ἐκπορεύομαι (Strong’s G1607: ekporeúomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for gaining deeper insights into the New Testament and the cultural context in which these texts were written. The word ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai) is a particularly significant term that appears in various contexts throughout the New Testament. It is often translated as “to go out” or “to proceed,” and it plays a key role in understanding both the physical and metaphorical movements described in Scripture. This word is not only important for New Testament interpretation but also offers a window into how ancient Greeks conceptualized the idea of movement, direction, and origin.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai) [ek-po-REU-oh-mai]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ- (ek-), meaning “out of,” and the verb πορεύομαι (poreúomai), meaning “to go” or “to proceed.” Together, ἐκπορεύομαι conveys the action of going out or proceeding from a particular source.
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Middle/Passive Indicative)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To go out
• To proceed
• To come forth

Similar Words:

• πορεύομαι (poreúomai): Meaning “to go,” this verb is similar but lacks the directional emphasis provided by the prefix ἐκ-, which specifically indicates movement “out of” something.
• ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai): Another related word meaning “to come out,” but often used in more physical or literal contexts, whereas ἐκπορεύομαι can carry both literal and metaphorical nuances.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐκπορεύομαι is a compound verb formed from ἐκ- (ek-) and πορεύομαι (poreúomai). It is used primarily in the middle voice, which in Greek often indicates that the subject is participating in the action or that the action is being performed with some degree of self-involvement. The word can also appear in passive forms, emphasizing the process rather than the subject initiating it.
• Grammatical Features: The verb ἐκπορεύομαι is typically found in the present tense, indicating an ongoing action. The middle/passive voice gives it a reflective or self-involved nuance. Below is the present tense conjugation in the indicative mood:

Lexicon Insights

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• BDAG: Defines ἐκπορεύομαι as “to go out, proceed,” often with a focus on something originating or emerging from a specific point, whether physically or metaphorically.
• Thayers: This lexicon highlights the term’s use in passages describing physical departure or movement, but also its metaphorical use in describing spiritual or ethical emanations.
• Vines: Notes the term’s versatility in conveying both literal and figurative movement, emphasizing its role in descriptions of spiritual or divine actions.
• LSJ: The term is traced in classical Greek usage to describe the physical act of coming forth from a place, often used in a military or formal context.
• Strongs Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐκπορεύομαι as “to depart,” focusing on the action of moving outward from a source or origin, frequently used in New Testament contexts to describe divine or spiritual emanations.

Scripture References

• Mark 7:20 – “And he said, ‘What comes out (ἐκπορεύομαι) of a person is what defiles him.’”
• Matthew 15:18 – “But what comes out (ἐκπορεύομαι) of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”
• John 15:26 – “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds (ἐκπορεύομαι) from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐκπορεύομαι (G1607: ekporeúomai)

The Greek word ἐκπορεύομαι (ekporeúomai) carries the primary meaning of “to go out” or “to proceed.” It is a verb that frequently appears in the New Testament, often used to describe both physical and metaphorical processes. The term’s significance lies in its ability to convey movement from a source, whether that be a physical location, a person’s heart, or a divine origin. Understanding ἐκπορεύομαι enhances one’s comprehension of the biblical text, particularly in passages that discuss the emanation of words, actions, or spiritual entities. The word is also richly used in classical Greek literature, where it continues to emphasize the concept of emergence or origin.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of something “proceeding” or “coming forth” was often associated with not just physical movement but also with the flow of knowledge, power, or divine will. This understanding of ἐκπορεύομαι helps us appreciate the depth of meaning in New Testament passages where the word is used to describe the movement of the Holy Spirit or the words that come from a person’s heart.